11 Jun Desperate Minnesota Patients Look For Doctors Who Will Sign Them Up for Medical Marijuana

Turned down by her doctors, Deanna Jean Ryther turned to Craigslist in search of someone — anyone — willing to help her enroll in Minnesota’s new medical marijuana program.

“Seeking Medical Professionals willing to refer Patients for MMJ,” she posted on the Rochester Craigslist community page Tuesday. “Myself and others have been denied support by our Doctors and Medical teams … It is outrageous and beyond words frustrating.”

Ryther, who lives in Austin, has tried cannabis before to ease the seizures and muscle spasms she suffered after a traumatic brain injury in 2009. On July 1, patients like her will be able to buy the drug legally in Minnesota — but only if they can find a doctor or other health care practitioner willing to certify that they have one of the nine conditions that qualify them to enroll in the new state program.